In this reflective episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I’m diving into one of the most important, yet often overlooked questions we face as veterinary leaders: Are we spending our precious time wisely?

Sparked by a personal experience attending the funeral of a dear friend, I explore three deep reflections that emerged—how business can be a force for good, why who you spend your time with matters more than you think, and the sobering reminder that none of us are guaranteed endless tomorrows.

If you’ve ever found yourself delaying important decisions, holding off on essential conversations, or postponing dreams for "someday," this episode offers a timely nudge to re-evaluate what really matters—and to take action now.

Episode Outline:

[00:00] – Reflections from a Life Well Lived

[02:15] – Business as a Force for Good: Why It Matters

[04:40] – Escaping the Zero-Sum Game Mindset in Veterinary Practice

[05:55] – Why the People You Work With Matter More Than You Think

[07:10] – Building Teams That Energize, Not Drain

[08:00] – Do You Really Have Time? Facing Life’s Big Question

[09:00] – The Urgent Call to Act on What Truly Matters

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow Dave: @drdavenicol

Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

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Are you finding it impossible to carve out time for leadership tasks in your veterinary practice? Do you feel like you’re always putting out fires instead of leading your team? You're not alone. Many practice owners face the challenge of balancing clinical work with the demands of leadership, often leaving little time to work on the business rather than just in it. The Veterinary Leadership Academy is here to help. Our program is designed specifically for busy practice owners like you. We teach you how to streamline your operations, delegate effectively, and make time for the leadership tasks that drive growth. With weekly group coaching sessions, you’ll get practical advice on managing your time and staying on track. The course is online, accredited, and ready for your application. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy to learn more. Stop letting time slip away and start leading your practice with intention. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy today.

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I’m joined by Dr. Mark Reeve, second-generation practice owner of Tea Tree Gully Veterinary Hospital in South Australia. Mark’s approach to team development is anything but traditional—and it’s paying off in spades.

What started as a frustration with stagnant nursing careers and dusty procedure manuals became a mission to revolutionize learning in his clinic. Inspired by the leadership playbook Turn the Ship Around by David Marquet, Mark and his team have built a powerful in-house certification program that’s giving his nurses real direction, satisfaction, and career momentum.

From ditching the 200-page ops manual to introducing 60+ micro-certifications tied directly to pay and performance, Mark shares exactly how his practice transformed learning into a dynamic, gamified system that’s increasing retention, boosting skill levels, and creating a culture of repeatable excellence.

If you want your team to love learning, feel empowered, and stick around for the long haul—this episode is a must-listen.

Episode Outline:

• [00:00] – Skills as Procedures
• [01:00] – Meet Dr. Mark Reeve: Second-gen vet and practice owner in Adelaide
• [03:20] – From James Herriot Roots to Modern Leadership
• [04:30] – The Problem: No CPD, no progression, high nurse attrition
• [05:50] – Enter Turn the Ship Around: A Navy-inspired pivot to career pathways
• [07:10] – Turning a Dusty Procedure Manual into 60+ Micro-Certificates
• [08:45] – Monthly Recognition, Mentorship, and Real Accountability
• [10:00] – Retention, Repeatability, and Pay Tied to Progress
• [11:45] – A Fairer, More Transparent Career Path (No More Tenure Bias)
• [14:00] – Going Beyond Basic Roles: Consulting, Clinics, Anesthesia & More
• [17:00] – The Impact on Training ROI & Vet Skill Uptake
• [20:00] – Curriculum Creation on the Fly—And Why Alpha Testing Works
• [25:30] – Certificates Built by Nurses, for Nurses
• [27:00] – Why Mark Doesn’t Worry About Recruitment Anymore
• [29:15] – Soft Skills, Client Care & Team Ownership
• [31:00] – Scaling Learning with ChatGPT & Automation (Future Vision)
• [34:30] – The Power of Procedural Thinking
• [36:30] – From Lip Service to Long-Term Success Plans
• [38:15] – “Everyone Comes Home”: How Mark Built an Alumni Culture
• [39:45] – Building a Pipeline from High School to Hospital Leadership

Resources:

Book Mentioned: Turn the Ship Around by David Marquet

Connect with Dr. Mark Reeve:

Tea Tree Gulley Veterinary Hospital: https://www.ttgvet.com.au

Dr. Mark Reeve on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-reeve-a3419068/

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow Dave: @drdavenicol

Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

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Are you finding it impossible to carve out time for leadership tasks in your veterinary practice? Do you feel like you’re

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I’m diving into one of the most common frustrations veterinary professionals face—difficult client interactions—and flipping the script.

What if the problem isn’t just the clients? What if the way we communicate, the assumptions we make, and the systems we put in place are actually feeding the fire?

Drawing from a recent conversation at a veterinary congress, I explore the hidden costs of poor communication, the myths we tell ourselves about client behavior, and the powerful evidence that shows just how appreciated we really are by the public. If you’ve ever felt demoralized by one too many rude comments, this episode will reset your perspective and give you tools to build better client relationships.

Whether you’re a seasoned vet or new to practice, this episode will remind you why the way you connect with clients matters and what to do when it goes wrong.

Episode Outline:

[00:00] – "You’re Only in It for the Money"

[02:15] – Are Vets Really Overpaid? The Truth Behind the Money Myth

[04:40] – Clients Trust You More Than You Think (Here’s the Data)

[07:10] – What Breaks Trust: Small Failures, Big Consequences

[09:00] – They Won’t Say Yes if They Don’t Trust You

[10:45] – Soft Skills Are Core Skills—Build Them Into Your Practice

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow Dave: @drdavenicol

Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Enjoyed this episode?

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Is managing conflict and stress within your team becoming a daily struggle? Are strained relationships and unresolved tensions holding your veterinary practice back? For many practice owners, navigating the complexities of team dynamics can be overwhelming. Without the right skills, stress and conflict can quickly escalate, affecting your practice’s culture and performance. At the Veterinary Leadership Academy, we specialize in helping practice owners develop the skills to manage conflict and reduce stress. Our program will teach you effective communication strategies, how to handle difficult conversations, and ways to foster a positive, collaborative team environment. With weekly group coaching sessions, you’ll receive ongoing support to address these challenges head-on. The course is fully online, accredited, and open for applications now. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy to apply today. Don’t let conflict and stress undermine your practice. Equip yourself with the tools to lead a harmonious, high-performing team. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy now.

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I’m joined by Rita Dingwall—practice manager, leadership advocate, and Chair of the Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices. With more than 30 years in the veterinary profession, Rita has seen it all—and she’s here to share her wisdom.

Together, we tackle a topic close to both our hearts: why every veterinary practice needs a capable practice manager, and what happens when you actually let them do the job you hired them to do. From team performance to supplier negotiations and culture-building, Rita reveals the value of empowered practice managers and the high cost of micromanagement.

Whether you’re thinking of hiring your first manager or just need a reminder of what they’re capable of, this one’s for you.

Episode Outline:

[00:00] – "Let Them Manage" – The Case for Trusting Your Practice Manager

[01:30] – Meet Rita Dingwall: 30+ Years in Vetland and Still Learning

[02:30] – Leadership Lessons for New Managers (and Surrogate Sons)

[03:00] – Rita’s First Role: “Just Come and Organize Us”

[04:20] – When’s the Right Time to Hire a Practice Manager?

[05:30] – The Financial ROI of a Great Practice Manager

[06:30] – The Low-Hanging Fruit: Where Practice Managers Add Immediate Value

[07:30] – Team Clarity, Retention & Culture: Why This Role Is More Than Admin

[08:15] – Operations, Marketing, HR… and That’s Just the Start

[09:10] – CPD, Mentoring & Mental Health – The Real Backbone of the Team

[10:00] – What’s the Magic Number? When You Can’t Afford Not to Hire

[10:30] – Practice Managers ≠ Administrators: Trust, Don’t Micromanage

[11:15] – Fix the Axle: Why Alignment Between Owners & Managers Is Everything

Connect with Rita Dingwall: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rita-dingwall-707979a/

Learn more about the Federation of Independent Veterinary Practices: https://fivp.org.uk/

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

Follow Dave: @drdavenicol

Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: Veterinary Leadership Academy

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues!

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Are you finding it impossible to carve out time for leadership tasks in your veterinary practice? Do you feel like you’re always putting out fires instead of leading your team? You're not alone. Many practice owners face the challenge of balancing clinical work with the demands of leadership, often leaving little time to work on the business rather than just in it. The Veterinary Leadership Academy is here to help. Our program is designed specifically for busy practice owners like you. We teach you how to streamline your operations, delegate effectively, and make time for the leadership tasks that drive growth. With weekly group coaching sessions, you’ll get practical advice on managing your time and staying on track. The course is online, accredited, and ready for your application. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy to learn more. Stop letting time slip away and start leading your practice with intention. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy today.

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, I’m joined by Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton, a litigator-turned-mediator specializing in veterinary medicine. Debra has dedicated her career to helping veterinary teams and pet owners navigate conflicts with compassion and clarity.

Let’s face it—difficult conversations are inevitable in veterinary practice. Whether it’s handling an upset client, resolving team disagreements, or addressing medical missteps, knowing how to defuse emotional “bombs” before they explode is an essential leadership skill.

In this episode, Debra shares her top strategies for handling high-stakes conversations, including the key phrases every veterinary professional should know to keep discussions constructive and to avoid escalation.

[00:00:00] –Why Conflict Resolution is a Must-Have Skill in Veterinary Medicine

[00:03:00] – The #1 Mistake Vets Make When Handling Upset Clients

[00:07:00] – Defusing the Bomb: The Art of Active Listening & De-escalation

[00:12:30] – Managing Expectations: How Transparency Prevents Future Conflicts

[00:18:45] – Top 5 Phrases Every Vet Should Use in Difficult Conversations

[00:24:15] – "Get It Right, Don’t Be Right" – The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

[00:28:30] – How to Train Your Team to Handle Conflict Effectively

Visit Debra’s Website: Hamilton Law & Mediation

Listen to Debra’s Podcast: Why Do Pets Matter?

Follow Dave: @drdavenicol

Learn more about Veterinary Leadership Training: https://www.drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy

Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues!

Mentioned in this episode:

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Is managing conflict and stress within your team becoming a daily struggle? Are strained relationships and unresolved tensions holding your veterinary practice back? For many practice owners, navigating the complexities of team dynamics can be overwhelming. Without the right skills, stress and conflict can quickly escalate, affecting your practice’s culture and performance. At the Veterinary Leadership Academy, we specialize in helping practice owners develop the skills to manage conflict and reduce stress. Our program will teach you effective communication strategies, how to handle difficult conversations, and ways to foster a positive, collaborative team environment. With weekly group coaching sessions, you’ll receive ongoing support to address these challenges head-on. The course is fully online, accredited, and open for applications now. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy to apply today. Don’t let conflict and stress undermine your practice. Equip yourself with the tools to lead a harmonious, high-performing team. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy now.

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, Dr. Dave Nicol is joined once again by leadership expert Dr. Peter Weinstein to dive into their top three must-read leadership books for veterinary professionals.

Great leadership isn’t just about managing people—it’s about inspiring teams, making smart decisions, and building a sustainable, thriving practice. But with so many books on leadership out there, which ones actually make a difference? In this episode, Dave and Peter break down their current favorite reads and explain how these books can transform the way you lead your team and run your practice.

[00:00:00] – Introduction: The Leadership Book Challenge

[00:01:18] – Why Leadership is a Team Sport (Lessons from John Wooden)

[00:03:37] – Conscious Business – The Book That Changed Dave’s Leadership Approach

[00:05:07] – How to Win Friends & Influence People – A Timeless Classic

[00:06:16] – Turn the Ship Around! – How to Lead When Everything Feels Broken

[00:08:22] – Trust & Inspire – The Future of Leadership

[00:10:27] – Blue Ocean Strategy – Strategic Thinking for Veterinary Leaders

[00:12:32] – The Must-Read Leadership Book for Every Veterinary Practice Owner

Connect with Dr. Peter Weinstein:

• LinkedIn: Dr. Peter Weinstein
• Veterinary Ownership Advocates: https://www.veterinaryownershipadvocates.com/

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

• Instagram: @drdavenicol
• Website: drdavenicol.com

🎙️ Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues!

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Are you finding it impossible to carve out time for leadership tasks in your veterinary practice? Do you feel like you’re always putting out fires instead of leading your team? You're not alone. Many practice owners face the challenge of balancing clinical work with the demands of leadership, often leaving little time to work on the business rather than just in it. The Veterinary Leadership Academy is here to help. Our program is designed specifically for busy practice owners like you. We teach you how to streamline your operations, delegate effectively, and make time for the leadership tasks that drive growth. With weekly group coaching sessions, you’ll get practical advice on managing your time and staying on track. The course is online, accredited, and ready for your application. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy to learn more. Stop letting time slip away and start leading your practice with intention. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy today.

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, we're diving into a critical question: how engaged is your team, really?

We all want a workplace where people love coming to work, feel valued, and go the extra mile—not because they have to, but because they want to. But how do you actually measure and improve employee engagement in veterinary practice?

Join me as I break down what employee engagement is (and how it’s different from employee experience), why it matters more than ever, and how you can quantify and improve engagement using practical tools like Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) and Gallup’s 12 Questions.

If you’re ready to boost morale, reduce turnover, and build a team that thrives, this episode is for you.

We’re launching the Veterinary Employee Engagement Baseline Study, where you can get your team's eNPS score and benchmark it against practices worldwide. Find out more at drdavenicol.com/get-your-enps

Listen now and start building a culture where your team wants to stay, grow, and succeed.

00:00:00 - Introduction: Why Employee Engagement Matters

00:01:00 - Defining Employee Engagement vs. Employee Experience

00:02:10 - How Engagement Impacts Productivity, Profitability & Well-being

00:04:20 - The Seven Key Metrics for Measuring Engagement

00:09:04 - How to Use Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS)

00:12:53 - Gallup’s 12 Questions: A Proven Engagement Framework

00:16:30 - Turning Insights Into Action: What to Do Next

00:21:30 - Join the Veterinary Employee Engagement Baseline Study

00:23:10 - Conclusion, Join the Movement

Stay connected for more insights on leadership, culture, and team success in veterinary practice.

Instagram & Facebook: @drdavenicol

Website & Resources: drdavenicol.com

Got a great story about transforming team engagement in your practice? I'd love to hear it! Reach out via social media or my website.

In this episode of the Veterinary Leadership Success Show, Dr. Dave Nicol is joined once again by leadership expert Dr. Peter Weinstein for a rapid-fire challenge: sharing 10 essential leadership lessons in just 10 minutes.

Veterinary leadership is more important than ever, but what are the key traits that separate great leaders from the rest? In this episode, Dr. Weinstein delivers a concise, no-nonsense breakdown of the fundamental principles that every veterinary leader should embrace.

Dr. Weinstein shares his insights on:

• Why great leaders create other leaders (not just followers)
• The power of listening and asking great questions
• Why vision matters more than micromanagement
• How leaders build strong, collaborative teams
• The importance of keeping your eyes on the future, not the past

🔑 Key Takeaway: Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about empowering those around you. If you want to build a thriving, successful veterinary practice, focus on developing your team, refining your vision, and keeping your sights set on the bigger picture.

Episode Outline

[00:00:00] – Introduction: The 10-Minute Leadership Challenge

[00:02:02] – Leaders Are Learners

[00:02:42] – Leaders Are Listeners

[00:03:16] – Leaders Ask Great Questions

[00:03:50] – The Importance of Vision

[00:05:00] – Great Leaders Build More Leaders

[00:07:20] – Why Empathy Matters

[00:08:30] – The Power of Teamwork & Collaboration

[00:09:15] – Delegation: A Leader’s Secret Weapon

[00:10:30] – Focusing on Outcomes, Not Processes

[00:11:45] – Looking Through the Windshield, Not the Rearview Mirror

Connect with Dr. Peter Weinstein:

• LinkedIn: Dr. Peter Weinstein

Follow Dr. Dave Nicol for More Leadership Insights:

• Instagram: @drdavenicol
• Website: drdavenicol.com

🎙️ Enjoyed this episode?

Leave a review on iTunes and share it with your veterinary colleagues!

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Are you finding it impossible to carve out time for leadership tasks in your veterinary practice? Do you feel like you’re always putting out fires instead of leading your team? You're not alone. Many practice owners face the challenge of balancing clinical work with the demands of leadership, often leaving little time to work on the business rather than just in it. The Veterinary Leadership Academy is here to help. Our program is designed specifically for busy practice owners like you. We teach you how to streamline your operations, delegate effectively, and make time for the leadership tasks that drive growth. With weekly group coaching sessions, you’ll get practical advice on managing your time and staying on track. The course is online, accredited, and ready for your application. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy to learn more. Stop letting time slip away and start leading your practice with intention. Visit drdavenicol.com/veterinary-leadership-academy today.